Welcome Home Taylor

Two Week Boost

Today I'm starting a two-week boost! What is a two-week boost you ask? Well, I want to get my butt in gear for eating a little healthier and working out a little bit more. The goal of this is not to lose weight or to be more physically attractive; I only want to feel better. I don't eat outrageously unhealthy (no fast food, no red meat, I don't overindulge), however, I do know that I don't eat enough fruits and veggies. So my main goal is to begin to incorporate those into my diet more. I've talked about my hip problems a while ago on here, but for those of you that don't know, I have a sore hip. There's nothing terribly wrong with it, but if I don't make a point to exercise it often, then I'm left in pain. A lot of pain. I fell off workout wagon a while back, but the past month I've been making a point to practice more pilates, which helps it a lot and I so I obviously want to continue with that.

My two-week plan will look like this:

• Alternate days for strength training and cardio (ex: Monday strength training 15-20 minutes; Tuesday run/jog 20-30 minutes; Wednesday strength training 15-20, so on and so forth). Sunday will be resting days.
• Incorporate more fruits and veggies into my diet. Make a point to have at least 2 of each a day.
• Start my day off with a healthy breakfast. I am already a breakfast fanatic, but I tend to lean more toward cereals, which are usually high in sugar. I'm making a point to eat whole grains and protein.
• Enjoy it! Which is the most important goal.
  

See? Nothing too crazy or absurd. If one day I become a health nut and an exercise junkie (nothing wrong with either of those things, in my opinion) then I will do it slowly. Right now, I enjoy my life and want to continue to live it the same way while making a point to be slightly healthier. I'm hoping that this two-week boost will encourage me and help to motivate me to do these things continuously.

Does this sound like fun to you? If you'd like to join in, comment below and follow me along on Instagram (@welcome_home)

 

photo by Glen Carrie via Unsplash.

Focus in 2015

This year is going to be good. Real good. I can feel it in my core that this is going to be a year of big changes and even bigger challenges for me. I am so excited and so terrified.

My main focus this year is going to be my career. I switched majors recently (that's a another story) so that now I'm a Graphic Design major in school. I chose this path not because I'm the best at it -- I'm not even that good yet -- but because it's so challenging. I crave to be excellent in this field so badly that I've given myself no choice but to push forward. It's a career that's ever-changing and seemingly unlimited in who you work with/for. I want that. I don't want to be stuck doing the same thing every day of my life; I want challenge and I want to be constantly questioning myself.

In 2015, I hope to learn more about myself, to learn more about graphic design, and to learn more patience all by focusing on this main goal of mine. I'm buzzing with excitement.

What will be your focus in 2015?

 

photo by Dominik Martin via Unsplash.

project part I

I've been meaning to do this project for about a year now. I want to take black and white pictures of my family and turn the livingroom wall into a gallery. These are just a few of the pictures I plan on using and I still need a few more (I'm missing my mom, step-mom, and David's mom. Honestly, what is it with the moms?). I've been waiting to paint the livingroom to do this project, but we just keep pushing it off. However, I think we really are going to have it done by Thanksgiving this year. We just painted the kitchen and I think it pushed us even more to do the livingroom. So, I plan on printing off the pictures that I have so far already and then ordering or salvaging some old frames that I find and really digging my heels into this project. I'm excited!

 

xoxo

thoughts on taking time

If any of you read Naomi's blog, then you may have seen her post some words regarding this article. After I read it I was both happy and ashamed because the article hit me right where it hurts. My whole life, I've always been in a rush. It's always go, go, go and if I ever stop I have a gut-wrenching feeling of anxiety. I struggled with anxiety for most of my life and I think I made it a habit to always be going because if I ever stopped I worried. I always felt that if I wasn't doing something, I must be just wasting away.

It took a yoga class for me to realize just how bad it's become. At the end of class we had about 5 or 10 minutes of meditation at the end: I felt as if I was going to explode. There was NO WAY that I could just lay still for that long when I could be showering after my long workout or going grocery shopping or vacuuming my living room or anything else but this. After a few minutes though, I realized, "Hey, this isn't so bad." It turned out to be great. Stopping for those few minutes made me realize how healthy calmness could be for a human. Before I had seen it as almost a weakness for me and within only a few moments, I had realized that this is a necessity, not just an indulgment people take.

In the article, Rachel talks a lot about enjoying her life with her children and how her youngest taught her how to do so. I don't have any kids yet (or anytime soon), but I do have a wonderful man in my life who happens to be both loving, patient, and at times painfully slow. I'm ashamed to admit that I'm known to push my way out of an embrace because, and sadly these are my own words, "it's not productive." After I read Rachel's words, I felt like it was exactly what I needed to make me realize that being busy doesn't mean that you're living life. I would love to see -- and say for that matter -- these words daily: "I will not say, "We don't have time for this." Because that's basically saying, "We don't have time to live." I think from now on, I will try to live those words and remind myself that cramming as many things as possible into one day isn't necessarily the best way to go about your life.

I've been practicing these thoughts of mine for a few days now and it's been such a relief. David and I even sat on the porch for a full 15 minutes of doing absolutely nothing and I was able to enjoy it. This is what life really is. ahhhh.

a year of goals.

Today is my 21st birthday. It's crazy how time flew by (how cliche, I know!) this past year. Birthdays are a perfect time to look back and reflect on how you've grown, how you've changed -- whether it be for better or worse -- and especially how much you've learned. I can definitely say it's been one heck of a year, complete with new beginnings, tragedies, moments I laughed so hard I cried, so many hugs and love (and of course, cats!). There are things that have happened this past year that I've never experienced before; some of thsoe things I never want to feel again and some of them I wish I could feel every day. No matter what though, I can honestly say I'm glad to be where I am. I might have felt a little pain this year, but I've also felt a tremendous amount of happiness and growth. On that note, here I am to reflect on my yearly goals...

For the most part, I accomplished my goals. The only ones that I didn't that I still really want to (and possibly even made it onto this years list as well) were numbers 3, 11, 14, 16, and 18. I'm still determined to get them done and make time fore myself to do them all. I've learned that making goals like number 7 are a little crazy and far-fetched considering my work, school, and social life. I've changed that up a bit below.

This is my list for the year ahead of me. I have high hopes for it and I already have plans made to accomplish some (road trip!). I can't wait to see what this next year brings me.

 

xoxo

 

You can see last years here.

browned butter mashed potatoes + brussel sprouts

The other night I made dinner for two of my favorite friends, Rebecca and Jessica, who also happen to be the two most amussing sisters. I haven't really had the chance to make dinner for anyone other than family members (and yes, David counts as a family member), so it was was a really fun and also kind of nerve-wracking experience. They're such wonderful and sweet people though and I know they appreciate good food just as much as I do, so I couldn't think of anyone better to cook for that night! I made them my favorite buttermilk chicken, brussel sprouts, and browned butter mashed potatoes, which ended up being the real star of the show.

I've been reading Dinner: A Love Story, which is not only a really great cookbook with fantastically realistic and convenient dinners to make, but also a beautiful story about how one family's dinner rituals have evolved through being newlyweds, to having two little children, and then to have those children grow up. Jenny Rosenstrach wrote in her dinner diary for fourteen years (FOURTEEN YEARS!!!!!) about all the dinners she ate and more importantly cooked and especially about how she felt toward the dinner time ritual. This wonderful story got me thinking about how I feel about dinner -- or better yet, the lack there of at my house. Over the years our dinner time has evolved from sitting at the table together laughing about Mom's "bubblegum chicken," to us frantically trying to scrap together a meal at the end of the day -- all at different times mind you -- usually after long hours of work. Needless to say, I started getting a bit sentimental about our lack of family rituals now. So, I decided right before the New Year that I was going to start my own Dinner Diary. However, mine would only consist of the dinners that I made myselft and the goal is to keep it going for at least one year.

The first entry in my dinner diary is this one. And I am so glad that when I open up to the first page I get to see the making of a beautiful dinner with some of the most beautiful friends I can imagine. So far I've cooked two dinners (oh and I just can't wait to tell you about the next dinner!) and I can honestly say that I'm already starting to think differently about dinner and what it has meant to me over the years. This is going to be a wonderful year to say the least.

 

to make brussel sprouts:

1 pound or so of brussel sprouts
olive oil
salt
pepper

This was my first time ever not only making brussel sprouts, but also eating them and I have to say they're not too bad at all. Preheat your oven to 350^{o F}. Rinse your sprouts in lukewarm water and cut them in half. In a small baking dish, mix the sprouts with a few tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake the sprouts for 25-30 minutes, then enjoy!

 

to make browned butter mashed potatoes:

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
8 tablespoons (1 stick) of unsalted butter, browned
1 cup of buttermilk
salt
freshly ground black pepper

In a medium saucepan filled with cold water, place the potatoes and bring to a boil on high heat while covered. Once the water is boiling, remove lid and bring to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 30 minutes or until a knife can easily be insterted into the center. Drain the potatoes and the pot.

Let the potatoes cool slightly then peel with a paring knife. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes in the pot. For a smoother finish, use a food mill or potato ricer. Add the browned butter, buttermilk, salt, and pepper to taste. If you would like a less milky consistency, don't add the whole cup of buttermilk.

 

Enjoy!!

xoxo

 

mashed potato recipe found from The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook.

autumn goals.

David and I made a few goals for this upcoming season. This time of year it starts to get really busy with both school and work for us so it's good for us to make these goals so that we remember to spend time with each other. And yes, sometimes we do forget to (mostly me). I love that David puts up with my crazy list making though and is at least a little interested in playing a part in making lists like this. We decided what we wanted to get done that are things that you could -- or at least should -- only do during the autumn time. The Renaissance Festival is first on the list cause DAVID HAS NEVER GONE!! What?! I think I was spoiled when I was a child because my godmother/aunt worked at the festival as an actress and I would always get to go to see her perform. I'm really really excited to bring him there so that I can see his experience for the first time.

I am just getting more and more excited for this season.

Do you guys have any plans for yourselves?

xoxo

growth.

I changed my major. There, I said it with nothing but courage this time. Although this may seem like a simple – and often heard – statement from a college student, it was a lot for me to swallow. I fought tooth and nail to convince myself that I didn’t really want to change my major in school. I’ve always been the most hard-headed, stupidly stubborn, and goal-oriented child of my parents. And no, I don’t think that all of those things are necessarily good because a lot of the times they cause trouble not only when it comes to my growth, but also many of my relationships have been ruined by my adamancy. I fought when I was younger to always be able to pick out my own clothes and brush my own hair and never be left behind by my older sister and her friends; I argued with my mother in my teen years to give me the independence that I always needed/wanted; and I would not give up the fight with my parents to allow David in my life (this one I’m most proud of and I think they appreciate the fact that I never gave up on him).

So, it’s no surprise that when I went off to college, I already knew what I wanted, how long it would take to get there, and what challenges I would have to face on the way. However, I did not anticipate a change of course. My entire life, once I had something set in my mind, I kept it there and it almost never faltered. Yet, here I was, going through the past year of college unsure, feeling stupid and out of place, and taking courses in a different subject (psychology) to keep me happy. I knew I wanted to help people in my life and I thought that teaching was the path to do that – after all, I still look up to many of my teachers as my greatest heroes.

But I wasn’t happy.  When planning to transfer schools, I had set in my mind that the minor to my English teaching major would be psychology. I never for a second thought to myself that something would get in the way of that goal. When I started filling out my new schedules for the next year, it wasn’t the fact that all the English classes I wanted to take weren’t available when I could take them, nor was it the lack of a Latin class that disappointed me most (although, that was definitely up there for me). No, the thing that finally broke me was the fact that I was not able to have psychology as a teaching minor at my transfer school.

Finally, I realized what it was that I was in need of as I tried so desperately to cling to the image of me as a teacher. This was not my path. It might be a path that I respect and will always cherish, but it was not mine and I couldn’t claim it as my own for another day. I did what I do best and headed straight to the library and searched and searched for an answer. I spent a large chunk of the beginning of my summer with my nose buried within the binder of the books. Amidst all the three-inch thick books of careers available, and the hundreds of tests I took to tell me what I would be good at, I found it. Something that had been there in front of me my entire life: psychology.

All those memories came stumbling out of my mind as I recalled the years I spent in counseling for my own – what I thought they were then – inadequacies (although years later I recognize it now as an illness). Throughout all the fights I fought in my life, this was the toughest for me. I thought I’d never get over my vices and I probably wouldn’t have if it weren’t the seven years I spent in and out of counseling. I realized that this is what I really wanted the entire time I had been going through life: to help the people that struggled with life the way I did.

There are two things that people have said the past week that have stuck in my head. Firstly, David said to me the other day as we discussed my sudden change in a career path, “Taylor, I’ve known you were going to do something great when I met you. You have to do something great with your life and help people. My tool to help people might be teaching, but I never really thought it was the same for you. This is what you were meant for.” (Yea, he’s pretty great, ain’t he?) Then, the other day when I was in Ann Arbor with my sister, her very tall friend was with us and they continually challenged each other to touch the tree branches. My sister kept saying to her friend’s comments on her inability to reach them, “I’m still growing!” I realized then that I’m still growing too. No, not in height, but as a person and I’m glad to chalk up this experience as a tough, yet positive one.

6 tips on exercise

Exercise is something that is really important to me. Not just to make me look good, but it makes me feel like I could take on the world...or at least take on my daily life challenges (see picture above). Being healthy is a passion of mine and I want to inspire others to feel the same way about their lives. Although I don't consider myself an expert, I do know a thing or two about a healthy exercise routine (don't worry, I wouldn't be suggesting any of these tips if I hadn't done some GOOD research beforehand).

Tip 1: Be Consistent: this is probably the hardest thing for most people. You have to stick to a schedule and make time for yourself in order to have a healthy lifestyle.

Tip 2: Follow an Effective Exercise Routine: include strength training, cardio, and interval training.

Tip 3: Set Realistic Goals: No, you’re not going to lose 50 pounds in a month and if you do, you’re doing it wrong. It’s also a good idea to set up short term goals in between your long term goal. (e.g. you want to run a 5k? make a short term goal jogging for 10 minutes straight without feeling like you’re going to die)

Tip 4: Use the Buddy System: getting friends involved helps you stick to tip 1. Get a group of friends together who will be consistent and support one another. Set aside time each week to get together to work out.

Tip 5: Make Your Plan Fit Your Life: If you make unrealistic goals of working out for two hours every day of the week it will only make it harder to stick to your plans. Don’t forget you have a life to live too.

 Tip 6: Be Happy! It makes things so much easier, trust me.

 

I hope that some of these helped you out and inspired you to take your exercise routine to that next step.

xoxo

5 ways to reach your goals

With everyone making their new year's resolutions, I thought it might be helpful to give a few tips on how to reach those newly made goals. So, without further ado, here are five tips that I've always found extremely helpful when planning my goals (and achieving them too!).

1. Put them in plain sight.

I have sticky notes all over the place to remind me of my goals. It helps to motivate yourself by reminding you that this is what you want to do. It is especially helpful when you start to stray off your path or when you feel like you just want to give up already. At the beginning of each semester, I always write a giant A in red on the first page of each notebook for my different classes that way, every time I open the notebook, I am being reminded that I want that A and I'm going to work as hard as I can to get it.

 

2. Reward yourself and appreciate the milestones.

When you're starting a new goal, the first thing you have to do is to come up with a reward that you'll give yourself when you've reached this goal. That way, when you're going through that goal, you're saying to yourself, "I'm doing this project so that when I'm done, I can buy those pair of shoes I've been wanting." Make your rewards equal to the amount of effort you're putting into your goal. If it's just a small project, reward yourself with a chocolate milkshake and if it's one that's taking you months, your reward should be something larger, like maybe a mini-vacation.

It's also very important to acknowledge the milestones you've made throughout your goal -- especially if it's a long-term goal. Say you're trying to lose 50 pounds, although you have that large goal in mind, you also have to reward yourself through every step of the way. It's easiest to make mini-goals throughout the process. It makes the goal more exciting and seem shorter.

3. Make your goals realistic.

By making your goals realistic, you're making them achievable. I'm not suggesting you don't dream a little, but you can't make your goals something that you can't control yourself. Your goals should not be centered around other people, but focused on something that involves you. That way, you can't make excuses when other people don't cooperate well.

4. Have an accountability partner.

When choosing an accountability partner, you must keep in mind a few things. First, how interested and invested is that person with you and will they do all they can to keep you on track? Also, will that person also encourage you? If someone you're thinking of isn't a disciplined person with theirself or their own goals, they probably won't be strict with someone else's goals either. It's very important that the person you choose will also be encouraging to the milestones throughout your goals as well. Also, don't have just one accountability partner for many different goals. Although David is usually the first person I turn to, there are also things that I need help with that he can't always relate to, so you must find other people that are willing to help you out as well. (note: be prepared to be someone else's accountability partner as well!)

 

5. Anticipate roadblocks.

Although, we don't typically want to think about what's going to stop us in the long run, it makes the goals more realistic. It's important that you anticipate these in advance and know what you're going to do to get around them. For short-term goals this isn't really necessary, but for goals that may take a lot of time, money, etc. this is an important thing to consider. Don't let these faults get in your way on your road to success.

 

 

photo 1: a sticky note by my bedroom door. photo 2: a Mad Men date with David. photo 3: going over the Mississippi River. photo 4: Christmas time with David. photo 5: packing for a camping trip.